Jean-Marc Pavelot makes a solitary white wine at the estate. The 2011 Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc is a village cru that comes a single hectare of two parcels that average around 60 years on the plane with younger vines located on the slope. It offers quite a rich, slightly honeyed bouquet with lime flower, touches of apricot and quince that are well-defined and generous. The palate is very well-balanced with a honeyed opening, composed of subtle tropical fruit laced with citrus peel and quince, that dovetails into a confident, lavish finish. Perhaps not a Chardonnay I will age, but one that I would enjoy in its youth. Drink now-2015.
The road resurfacing on the boiling hot Tuesday afternoon of my visit almost thwarted me from reaching Domaine Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot (God only knows how the tar could have actually melted in those temperatures.) It was a relief to descend into the cool cellars with Hugues Pavelot who works alongside his father. He seemed guarded at first, perhaps more laconic than other young winemakers that I meet, but relaxed and opened up once we began discussing his wines. This has been a go-to address for great Savigny-les-Beaune for a number of years, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved and their 2011s are definitely worth seeking out. There is a simple approach with prudent use of oak that hovers between 15 and 30% new wood.
Importer: Becky Wasserman Selection (various importers), Le Serbet, Beaune; fax 011-33-3-80-24-29-70